STI VS6400 Series User manual

Call: 1/800/221-7060 U.S.A. and Canada
Telephone: [phone], Fax [phone]
R
P/N 99760-0010 Rev.E © Jan. 2006 STI
Scientific Technologies Inc.
Optical Sensor Division
Manufacturing and Sales Office
6550 Dumbarton Circle
Fremont, CA 94555-3611
1/888/510-4357
Phone [phone]
Fax [phone]
www.stiscanners.com
Vehicle Scanner
VS6400 Series
Installation and Operating Manual

SCIENTIFIC TECHNOLOGIES INC.
31069 Genstar Road, Hayward CA 94544 USA
R

Vehicle Scanner VS6400 Rev.E
1
TableofContents
Section 1 – Introduction.................................................... 3
Section 2 – Installation and Connections....................... 3
Section 3 – Setup Software ............................................... 5
Section 4 – General Setup Commands ........................... 6
Section 5 – Relay Outputs ................................................ 6
Section 6 – Serial Output .................................................. 8
Section 7 – Array Modifying Commands.................... 14
Section 8 – Specifications................................................ 16
Section 9 – ASCII Terminal Emulators ........................ 18
Section 10 – Dimensional Drawings............................. 19
Table of Content

SCIENTIFIC TECHNOLOGIES INC.
R
2
WARRANTY
STI warrants its products to be free from
defects of material and workmanship and will,
without charge, replace or repair any
equipment found defective upon inspection at
its factory, provided the equipment has been
returned, transportation prepaid, within one
year from date of installation and not to exceed
18 months from date of factory shipment.
The foregoing warranty is in lieu of and
excludes all other warranties not expressly set
forth herein, whether expressed or implied by
operation of law or otherwise including but not
limited to any implied warranties of
merchantability or fitness for a particular
purpose.
No representation or warranty, express or
implied, made by any sales representative,
distributor, or other agent or representative of
STI which is not specifically set forth herein
shall be binding upon STI. STI shall not be liable
for any incidental or consequential damages,
losses or expenses directly or indirectly arising
from the sale, handling, improper application or
use of the goods or from any other cause
relating thereto and STI’s liability hereunder, in
any case, is expressly limited to the repair or
replacement (at STI’s option) of goods.
Warranty is specifically at the factory. Any
on site service will be provided at the sole
expense of the Purchaser at standard field
service rates.
All associated equipment must be protected
by properly rated electronic/electrical
protection devices. STI shall not be liable for
any damage due to improper engineering or
installation by the purchaser or third parties.
Proper installation, operation and maintenance
of the product becomes the responsibility of the
user upon receipt of the product.
P ATENTS
Elements of the electronics and optics
essential to meet the specifications and
performance standards of STI controls are
covered by one or more of the following U.S.
Patent Numbers: 3,774,039; 3,867,628; 3,967,111;
3,996,476; 4,007,387; 4,101,784; 5,015,840; Design
255,031, and other patents pending.
T RADEMARKS
Vehicle Scanner TM is a trademark of
Scientific Technologies, Inc.; STI®is the
registered trademark of Scientific Technologies,
Inc.
R EPAIRS
STI offers product repair service at our
factory. If you need repairs made to any STI
product contact our Customer Service
Department.
R ETURNS
Whenever you return a product to STI
(even if the product is in warranty) please
contact our Customer Service Department and
request a Returned Goods Authorization
number (RGA). This number allows us to track
the goods upon receipt until it is returned to
you. This RGA number must appear on the
outside of your shipping carton and on related
papers. Goods that are returned for credit are
subject to final review by STI and are subject to
restocking charges as determined by STI.
N OTE
This publication has been carefully checked
for accuracy and is believed to be fully
consistent with the products it describes.
However, STI does not assume liability for the
contents of this publication; the examples used
within or the use of any product described
herein. STI reserves the right to make changes
to products and/or documentation without
further notification.

Vehicle Scanner VS6400 Rev.E
3
12
InstallationandConnections
!
Warning! STI scanners are not designed for
and must not be used for personnel protection (safety)
applications.STIhasawiderangeofsafetyproductsfor
these applications. Contact STI for information on our
safety products.
Thank you for purchasing an STI Vehicle
Scanner.
These items are included with the scanner.
■
■Transmitter
■
■Receiver
These items are required but ordered
separately.
■
■Transmitter cable
■
■Receiver cable
You will need an IBM compatible PC for
software setup of the scanner unless you use
the factory default settings.
!
Warning! Installation and maintenance must
be performed by qualified personnel.
M OUNTING THE T RANSMITTER AND R ECEIVER
Mount the transmitter and receiver parallel
to each other, with no vertical nor horizontal
offset, and with their connectors pointing in the
same direction. See Section 10 for mounting
dimensions.
T RANSMITTER AND R ECEIVER C ABLES
Connect the scanner as shown in the
diagram. RS-485 connections are optional.
Conncect the shield on both the transmitter and
receiver cables to protective earth (ground).
A LIGNMENT
Apply power to the scanner and align the
transmitter and receiver until the green LED on
the receiver turns on.
2
7
1
6
3
8
5
4
2
7
1
6
3
8
5
4
Power
+24
0V
Brown
Blue
White
Pink
White
Pink
Green
Red
Gray
Yellow
Sync Signal
Transmitter Receiver
RS485
Out 1
Out 2
123
4
5
6
78
Female Connector
Front View
Brown
Blue
Figure 1 VS6400 Connection
Section1 – Introduction
Introduction

SCIENTIFIC TECHNOLOGIES INC.
R
4
VS6400 Cable Identification
Pin No. Color Code Function Description
1White – Sync – Synchronization Link
2Brown +VDC +24VDC
3Green – Com – RS485 Communication Link
4Yellow Output #2 Alarm Output
5Gray Output #1 Control Output
6Pink +Sync +Synchronization Link
7Blue 0 VDC Ground
8Red + Com +RS485 Communication Link
Table 1. Cable Identification by Pin Assignment
VS6400 Cable Identification
Pin No. Color Code Function Description
Power
2Brown +VDC +24VDC
7Blue 0 VDC Ground
Scanner Transmitter/Receiver Synchronization
6Pink +Sync +Synchronization Link
1White – Sync – Synchronization Link
Control Outputs
5Gray Output #1 Control Output
4Yellow Output #2 Alarm Output
Serial Communication
8Red + Com +RS485 Communication Link
3Green – Com – RS485 Communication Link
Table 2. Cable Identification by Function

Vehicle Scanner VS6400 Rev.E
5
3
SetupSoftware
If the factory default settings are not
suitable for your application you will need to
change the operating parameters. This can be
done using an ASCII terminal emulator
software package, such as Hyperterminal or
ProComm, or using the terminal window in
STI’s Windows setup software. You will need a
personal computer with an RS-485 port.
O PERATING P ARAMETERS
Upon startup, the scanner uses the factory
default parameters. After you make changes to
the parameters and save them, the scanner will
use those parameters. To return to the factory
default settings use the “Default” command
below, and cycle power to the scanner. You
cannot return to your saved settings after
issuing the default command. You will have to
re-enter the settings.
I NSTALLING STI’ S W INDOWS S ETUP S OFTWARE
Insert the diskette market “Diskette 1 of 2”
into your computer’s drive. Press the START
button on your Windows task bar, and select
“Run”. Type “a:\setup.exe” in the box marked
“Open:”. Then select “OK”. Follow the
instructions on your screen as the software
installs.
R UNNING THE W INDOWS S ETUP S OFTWARE
Click on the ValuScan.Exe icon, or select
ValuScan from the Start/Programs button on
the task bar. When prompted for controller type
(A/B or C/D) you can select either. When the
software starts, select Scanner, then Serial
Output, and select the com port you are using
in the scroll box in the lower left corner of the
window. Be sure you have 19,200 baud rate
selected. Then click on OK.
Note that none of the other selection boxes
function when used with the VS6400. You must
make changes in the terminal window. To access
the terminal window, click on “Terminal” in the
menu. Click on the box “Add Linefeed”. If the
display prints with double line spacing, you can
de-select “Add Linefeed”.
E NTERING S ETUP C OMMANDS
Type the setup commands needed. Refer to
the individual output sections for the commands
needed for the output you are using.
• Use upper or lower case characters.
• Press ENTER after each command.
• Type spaces as shown.
• “ ” means the scanner recognized your
command. Continue with set-up.
• “!” means the scanner did not recognize
your command. Check your syntax and re-enter
the command.
• If your screen does not display the
commands you type, the scanner is in the serial
reporting mode. Press ESC twice and Enter.
• Saving your settings.
After entering the commands and verifying
proper scanner operation, type the command
SAVE to the scanner.
IMPORTANT
Youmustsaveyoursoftwaresettings!Theyshall
be erased unless you save them.
DEFAULT C OMMAND
Type DEFAULT then press enter.
This command will set the scanner to use the
factory default settings. You cannot return to
your saved settings after issuing this command.
You will have to make the parameter changes
again, and save them if you do not want to
continue to use the default settings.
You must cycle power (turn power off, then
on) after entering the default command before
the scanner will return to the default settings.
Section 3 – Setup Software

SCIENTIFIC TECHNOLOGIES INC.
R
6
4
GeneralSetupCommands
Relay Outputs
Note that the outputs are solid state DC relays,
NPN (current sinking) rated 150 mA at 30 VDC
maximum.
S OFTWARE C OMMANDS
Use the following commands for the relay
outputs then save your settings. No other
commands are required but array modifying
commands (section 11) may be used. If the scanner
does not respond to your commands press ESC
twice and Enter.
Relay Configuration
This commands allow you to configure Relay
1 and Relay 2 for normally open or normally
closed operation. Four commands are used: one to
set relay 1 mode, one to set relay 2, one to query
relay 1, and one to query relay 2.
Syntax: RELAYOUT1 n where nis the mode setting
for relay 1. Use NO for normally open (the default
value), or NC for normally closed.
Syntax: RELAYOUT2 n where nis the mode setting
for relay 2.
Syntax: RELAYOUT1? or RELAYOUT2? queries the
scanner for the current setting. The scanner
returns the current mode set, either NO or NC.
Example:
RELAYOUT1 NC sets relay 1 output to normally
closed.
Relay 1 Output: Detection - Hysteresis Mode
This mode allows separate settings for turn on
size and turn off size and is normally used for
detecting vehicles.
Syntax: RELAY HIST x y where xis the turn on size
and yis the turn off size.
Example: RELAY HIST 10 2
Relay 1 turns on when an object is blocks 10 or
more beams. It turns off when the object blocks
5
RelayOutputs
Section 4 – General Setup Commands
The following commands are useful during
setup.
HELP? shows a short listing of most
commands.
WHAT? lists the current status of most
parameters.
M EMORY C OMMANDS
Two commands work with the scanner’s
memory: SAVE and RESTORE.
Command Syntax: SAVE
Action: Saves the current software parameters
to non-volatile random access memory
(NOVRAM). It also erases any parameters
previously saved.
Command Syntax: RESTORE
Action: Copies the saved settings into the
scanner’s buffer for use.
Keep a written copy of the setup
parameters you are using!
RELAYOUT1

Vehicle Scanner VS6400 Rev.E
7
less than 2 beams. Changes must occur for 3
consecutive scans to be recognized.
Relay 1 Output: Detection - Block Mode
Relay 1 is on when any beam is blocked.
Screen function (section 11) does not effect the
relay in this mode.
Syntax: RELAY BLOCK
Null Mode
This mode disables the relay.
Syntax: RELAY NULL
STI V EHICLE S CANNER D IAGNOSTIC S CAN F UNCTION
The diagnostic scan function is designed to
reduce down time caused by beams that are
permanently blocked, such as caused by a
defective beam, or beams that are blocked for an
extended period of time, as when there is
excessive dirt .
This function automatically ignores these
beams after a predetermined length of time (set
by the user). The user can also set a maximum
percentage of the scanner that can be ignored by
this function. When beams are ignored, Relay 2
will energize, to signal that the scanner needs
attention.
When the blocked beams are cleared, the
scanner automatically returns to normal
operation and output 2 turns off.
C OMMAND S ETS
Note that all commands are given in the
terminal window. Type the commands as shown,
replacing variables with the values you want,
then press ENTER. After this and any other
parameters have been established and set in the
scanner, save the settings (type SAVE then press
Enter). This will cause the saved parameters to be
used upon power up.
Note that lower case letters indicate variables
that the user needs to fill in. For example “DIAGS
x” would indicate to type DIAGS followed by a
space, followed by a number, say DIAGS 100.
There are two versions of commands used
for this function, a simplified and a complex set.
S IMPLIFIED C OMMAND
Command Format: DIAGS x
where x is a number representing the length of
time in seconds the beam(s) must be blocked
before the scanner will ignore it. Using this
command, a maximum of about 1/3 of the
beams can be ignored.
C OMPLEX C OMMAND S ET
The following commands are available. Each
command should be followed by the Enter key.
Command Format: CMASK?
Reports the current mask setting. Used to diagnose
the problem. Not used to setup the function.
Command Format: CSCAN?
Reports the diagnostic scan parameter settings.
Not used to setup the function, only to determine
what settings have been given to the scanner.
Command Format: CSENA?
Reports if the diagnostic scan is enabled or not.
Not used to setup function.
Command Format: CSCAN n mmm.mmm eee.ee
Sets the diagnostic scan parameters.
n – is a number indicating the number of scans
required for beams to be blocked before they
are ignored
m – sets how often the scanner tests for bad
beams, in milliseconds
e – is the maximum percentage of the scanner
that can be ignored (e.g., 33 = 33%)
Note that n times m will give the length of time
before permanently blocked beams will be
ignored.
Command Format: CSENA x
where x determines if diagnostic scan is
enabled. Use N for x to disable the diagnostic
scan, and use Y to enable diagnostic scan.
Note that using this command set, both CSCAN
and CSENA must be used.
Section 5 – Relay Output

SCIENTIFIC TECHNOLOGIES INC.
R
8
6 SerialOutput
The serial port is used for software setup
and for seial output reports. For serial reports
you must set a serial report, set a serial timing
mode, then save your settings.
You are not required to use the serial
output. In many cases where only detection is
needed, the default settings will work and no
serial setup is required.
S ERIAL R EPORT C OMMUNANDS
Serial output report commands determine
what information is reported on the serial port.
Only one command can be used at any time.
Issuing any command erases the previous
setting.
Serial reports give the status of the scanner
during one scan. Data is in binary or ASCII
format. If the scanner does not respond to your
commands press ESC twice and Enter.
Array modifying commands may be used,
however, the SCREEN function does not affect
ASCII RAW and BINARY RAW modes. (See
section 7 – Array Modifying Commands.)
ASCII Serial Data Modes
In this section values that are written out
are in base ten; values using numerals will be
shown with their base as a subscript. Example:
a decimal value of fifteen will be shown as 1510,
or F16 in hexadecimal, or 11112in binary.
Reports in ASCII format give hexadecimal
values and are easily read by terminal
emulators. The data transmitted are the ASCII
codes for the hexadecimal characters. Each
ASCII character requires one byte. All values
are reported in hexadecimal. Example: An
object blocks ten beams. In the ASCII SIZE mode,
the scanner sends the ASCII code for the
character “A”. The ASCII code number is 6510
or 4116.
ASCII NULL Mode
ASCII NULL Mode turns off serial data
reports
Syntax: ASCII NULL
Data format: none
Comment: BINARY NULL does the same thing.
ASCII RAW Mode
ASCII RAW Mode gives the status of each
beam.
Syntax: ASCII RAW
Data Format: Reports a string of ASCII
characters for hexadecimal digits. The string
ends with the ASCII character 13
10
(carriage
return). Each hexadecimal digit represents the
status of four beams by direct conversion to
binary. Binary zero represents an unblocked
beam and binary one represents a blocked beam.
Example:
Beam status 11110000101000012(Leftmost
digits are farthest from the
cable.)
Hex digits F0A116 (Every four binary digits
converts to one hexadecimal
digit.)
ASCII Codes 7010 (ASCII for F character)
4810 (ASCII for 0 character)
6510 (ASCII for A character)
4910 (ASCII for 1 character)
1310 (ASCII for carriage return)
ASCII LIST Mode
ASCII LIST reports the number of objects
detected, the position and size of each object for
a maximum of 16 objects. The report is a
variable length string consisting of:
1) two ASCII characters for the hexadecimal
number of objects detected; and
Section 6 – Serial Output

Vehicle Scanner VS6400 Rev.E
9
2) for each object:
–ASCII 2016 (the space character);
–four ASCII characters for the hexadecimal
number of the beam closest to the cable that
is blocked by the object (the beam closest to
the cable is numbered zero);
–ASCII 3A16 (the colon “:” character);
–four ASCII characters for the hexadecimal
number of beams blocked by the object
3) ASCII 0D16 (carriage return);
4) ASCII 0A16 (line feed)
Examples:
No object present
ASCII Hexadecimal Code: 30 30 0D 0A
ASCII Characters: 00 (hexadecimal) <Carriage
Return> <Line Feed>
Interpretation: zero objects detected; carriage
return and line feed delimit the report.
One object present
ASCII Hexadecimal Code: 30 31 20 30 30 30 38
3A 30 30 30 32 0D 0A
ASCII Characters: 01 (hexadecimal) <space>
0008:0002 <carriage return> <line feed>
Interpretation: one object detected; the 9th beam
is the first one blocked (counting starts at zero);
the object blocks 2 beams; carriage return and
line feed delimit the report.
Two objects present
ASCII Hexadecimal Code: 30 32 20 30 30 30 38
3A 30 30 30 32 20 30 30 31 32 3A 30 30 30 32 0D 0A
ASCII Characters: 02 (hexadecimal) <space>
0008:0002 <space> 0012:0002 <carriage return>
<line feed>
Interpretation: two objects detected; the 9th
beam is the first beam blocked by the first
object, the first object blocks two beams, the
19th beam is the first beam blocked by the
second object, the second object blocks 2 beams;
the carriage return and line feed delimit the
report.
ASCII SIZE Mode
ASCII SIZE Mode gives the size of the
largest object detected.
Syntax: ASCII SIZE
Data format: Five ASCII characters, the first
four are the size of the largest object, the fifth
character is ASCII 0D16 (carriage return).
ASCII TOPBEAM Mode
ASCII TOPBEAM Mode reports the blocked
beam farthest from the cable.
Syntax: ASCII TOPBEAM
Data Format: Five ASCII characters, the first
four are the beam number of the blocked beam
that is farthest from the cable, the fifth is ASCII
0D16 (carriage return). The beam closest to the
cable is numbered one.
ASCII BOTBEAM Mode
ASCII BOTBEAM Mode reports the blocked
beam closest to the cable.
Syntax: ASCII BOTBEAM
Data Format: Five ASCII characters, the first
four are the beam number of the blocked beam
that is closest to the cable, the fifth is ASCII
0D16(carriage return). The beam farthest from
the cable is numbered one and beam numbers
increase as they near the cable.
Section 6 – Serial Output

SCIENTIFIC TECHNOLOGIES INC.
R
10
Binary Serial Data Reports
Binary formats issue true binary numbers to
the serial port and cannot report values larger
than 25510. These are universally interpreted as
ASCII codes by terminal emulation software.
Character translation available in some terminal
emulation software may help in decoding the
information.
BINARY NULL Mode
BINARY NULL Mode turns off serial data
reports.
Syntax: BINARY NULL
Data format: none.
Comment: ASCII NULL does the same thing.
Function: Binary size - gives the size of the
largest object detected.
Syntax: BINARY SIZE
Data Format: Report is one byte which is the
binary number for the size of the largest object
detected. (Size is the number of beams blocked
by the object.) There are no delimiters.
Maximum size that can be reported is 25510. The
report value is 000000 if no object is detected.
BINARY RAW Mode
BINARY RAW Mode gives the status of
each beam.
Syntax: BINARY RAW
Data Format: Report is a fixed number of bytes.
The number of bytes is determined by the
number of beams. The first byte is a
synchronizing byte with a hex value of 55. This
is followed by data bytes, one byte for every 8
beams in the scanner. Data bytes use 0 to show
an unblocked beam, and 1 to show a blocked
beam. There are no delimiters.
BINARY PSIZE Mode
BINARY PSIZE Mode gives the position
and size of the largest object detected.
Syntax: BINARY PSIZE
Data Format: Report is two bytes giving the
position and size of the largest object detected.
First byte is the position (the beam blocked
closest to cable).
Position starts counting beams from zero.
The second byte is the size (the number of
beams blocked). There are no delimters. Returns
00000000 for each byte if no object is detected.
Beam position numbering starts at one for the
beam closest to the cable.
BINARY TOPBEAM Mode
BINARY TOPBEAM Mode reports the
blocked beam farthest from the cable.
Syntax: BINARY TOPBEAM
Data format: Report is one byte giving the beam
number of the highest beam blocked (blocked
beam farthest from the cable). There are no
delimiters. Beam numbering starts with one at
the beam closest to the cable. The report value is
000000 if no object is detected. Beam position
numbering starts at one for the beam closest to
the cable.
BINARY BOTBEAM Mode
BINARY BOTBEAM Mode reports the
blocked beam closest to the cable.
Syntax: BINARY BOTBEAM
Data format: Report is one byte giving the beam
number of the lowest beam blocked (blocked
beam closest to the cable). There are no
delimiters. Beam numbering starts with one at
the beam farthest from the cable. Beam position
numbering starts at one for the beam closest to
the cable.
Section 6 – Serial Output

Vehicle Scanner VS6400 Rev.E
11
Comment: This function gives the same results
as BINARY TOPBEAM when the transmitters
and receivers are reversed end-to-end. This is
why the beam numbering starts at the cable end
for TOPBEAM and away from the cable end for
BOTBEAM.
BINARY TOTAL Mode
BINARY TOTAL Mode reports the total
number of beams blocked.
Syntax: BINARY TOTAL
Data Format: Report is one byte which is the
binary number for the total number of beams
blocked. There are no delimiters. Maximum size
that can be reported is 25510. The report value is
000000 if no object is detected.
BINARY CENTER Mode
BINARY CENTER Mode reports the
position of the center of the largest object
detected.
Syntax: BINARY CENTER
Data format: Report is one byte which is the
binary number for the position of the center of
the largest object detected. There are no
delimiters. Beam numbering starts with zero at
the beam closest to the cable. Maximum value
that can be reported is 25510. The report value is
000000 if no object is detected. Beam position
numbering starts at one for the beam closest to
the cable.
BINARY QLIST
BINARY QLIST gives a list of the size and
position of each object detected.
Syntax: BINARY QLIST
Data format: Report gives a variable number of
pairs of bytes, one byte for each object detected,
followed by one byte of value 0016. (If no object
is detected, only one byte is given of value 0016.)
In each pair of bytes, the first byte is the
position (beam closest to the cable) blocked by
the object and the second byte is the number of
beams blocked by the object. Beam position
numbering starts at one for the beam closest to
the cable.
B INARY F IRST B EAM B LOCKED M ODE
Reports, in binary format, 1 byte representing
the first beam blocked, e.g., 0x17.
Syntax: BINARY FBB
Note: This command is not available on the
Windows Software check-off boxes. Use the
Terminal Window to enter this command. See
Section 4 Windows Software for details.
B INARY L AST B EAM B LOCKED M ODE
Reports, in binary format, 1 byte representing
the first beam blocked, e.g., 0x9E.
Syntax: BINARY LBB
Note: This command is not available on the
Windows Software check-off boxes. Use the
Terminal Window to enter this command. See
Section 4 Windows Software for details.
BINARY F IRST & L AST B LOCKED M ODE
Reports, in binary format, 2 bytes,
representing the first and last beams blocked,
e.g., 0x17 0x9E. No delimiters nor spaces are
included, just 2 consecutive data bytes.
Syntax: BINARY FBB+LBB
Note: This command is not available on the
Windows Software check-off boxes. Use the
Terminal Window to enter this command. See
Section 4 Windows Software for details.
Section 6 – Serial Output

SCIENTIFIC TECHNOLOGIES INC.
R
12
BINARY L AST & F IRST B LOCKED M ODE
Reports, in binary format, 2 bytes,
representing the last and first beams blocked,
e.g., 0x9E 0x17. No delimiters nor spaces are
included, just 2 consecutive data bytes.
Syntax: BINARY LBB+FBB
Note: This command is not available on the
Windows Software check-off boxes. Use the
Terminal Window to enter this command. See
Section 4 Windows Software for details.
BINARY F IRST & L AST B LOCKED & N UMBER OF
O BJECT M ODE
Reports, in binary format, 3 bytes, representing
the first beam blocked, last beams
blocked, and the number of objects in the
system, e.g., 0x17 0x9E 0x01. No delimiters nor
spaces are included, just 3 consecutive data
bytes.
Syntax: BINARY FBB+LBB+NOBJ
Note: This command is not available on the
Windows Software check-off boxes. Use the
Terminal Window to enter this command. See
Section 4 Windows Software for details.
BINARY L AST & F IRST B LOCKED & N UMBER OF
O BJECT M ODE
Reports, in binary format, 3 bytes,
representing the last beam blocked, first beams
blocked, and the number of objects in the
system, e.g., 0x9E 0x17 0x01. No delimiters nor
spaces are included, just 3 consecutive data
bytes.
Syntax: BINARY LBB+FBB+NOBJ
Note: This command is not available on the
Windows Software check-off boxes. Use the
Terminal Window to enter this command. See
Section 4 Windows Software for details.
S ERIAL T IMING C OMMANDS
If you are using the serial reports, you must
set a timing command.
The scanner has two serial timing modes:
synchronous timing and software trigger. If the
scanner does not respond to your commands
press ESC twice and Enter.
S YNCHRONOUS R EPORTING M ODE
The synchronous reporting mode gives
serial reports continuously at set intervals.Two
commands control this mode: one sets the timer
interval between reports; the other sets the
scanner for synchronous serial reports.
Syntax: TSYNC nwhere nis the time in
milliseconds between serial data reports.
Syntax: SYN sets the scanner to use
synchronous timing and puts the scanner in the
reporting mode. Press ESC twice after this
command to continue with setup.
Three auxiliary reporting functions can be used
in the synchronous timing mode. These are
functions which can help in processing data
from the scanner.
Delta Mode
Delta Mode inhibits serial reports when the
beam status has not changed from the previous
report.
Syntax: DELTA Y turns on this mode
DELTA N turns off this mode.
Section 6 – Serial Output

Vehicle Scanner VS6400 Rev.E
13
Quiet Mode
Quiet Mode inhibits duplicate serial reports
with a value of zero.
Syntax: QUIET Y turns on this mode.
QUIET N turns off this function.
Heartbeat Mode
Heartbeat Mode overrides delta and quiet
functions on an independent synchronous basis.
It uses two commands: one to enable and
disable the function and one to set the time
interval for these reports.
Syntax: HBENA Y turns on this mode.
HBENA N turns off this mode.
Syntax: HBTIME n where n is the time interval in
seconds between heartbeat reports.
S OFTWARE D EMAND M ODE
This function provides serial reports on
demand using a software demand request. Ctl-E
is the request for a report.
Syntax: DMD sets the scanner to software trigger
mode and starts
Press ESC twice after entering this
command to continue with setup.
Section 6 – Serial Output

SCIENTIFIC TECHNOLOGIES INC.
R
14
Section 7 – Array Modifying Commands
7
ArrayModifyingCommands
These commands modify the scanner’s
beam pattern to 1) improve the resolution, 2)
ignore small objects, and 3) alter how the
scanner interprets the beam status. If these are
not needed in your application skip to the next
section.
N ORMAL S CAN AND D OUBLE S CAN F UNCTIONS
Description: ValuScan has two scanning
modes: normal scan and DoubleScan.
DoubleScan can provide improved resolution in
some applications but it doubles the scan time.
Syntax: NORMAL or DOUBLE
Action: NORMAL turns off DoubleScan and
turns on normal scan. DOUBLE turns off normal
scan and turns on DoubleScan.
S CREEN F UNCTION
Description: The screen function sets a
minimum value the scanner will report. It can
be used to filter out small objects.
Exceptions: RELAY BLOCK and serial
functions ASCII RAW and BINARY RAW are not
affected by this function.
Command Syntax: SCREEN x where values of x
or smaller are ignored.
Example: SCREEN 10 will ignore objects that
block 10 beams or fewer.
M ASKING F UNCTION
Mask allows you to manipulate the status of
the beams before the scanner interprets and
reports them. This is commonly used to invert
the status of the beams to report holes in a
material, or to ignore specific beams that are
blocked by a stationary object. Two commands
are used for masking: one sets a mask pattern,
and the other defines masking logic. The
scanner always uses masking. The default
settings, however, result in the real beam status.
SETMSK
SETMSK (set mask) is used to set the mask
pattern.
Syntax: SETMSK hh hh hh hh ... where hh
represents two hexadecimal characters (0
through 9, A, B, C, D, E, and F). A space must
immediately follow “SETMSK”. The
hexadecimal characters must be given in pairs
with a space between pairs. Each hexadecimal
character represents 4 beams (see chart). “0”
represents an unblocked beam and “1”
represents a blocked beam.
To set a beam pattern, write a binary code
using one bit for each beam. Use “1” for a
blocked beam and “0” for an unblocked beam.
(The left most bit represents the beam farthest
from the cable.) Group this pattern into sets of 4
bits. Convert each set into one hexadecimal
character using the chart at the right. Type
SETMSK followed by a space, followed by the
hexadecimal character string. (Remember to
type a space between each pair of hexadecimal
characters.)
Hex Beams
0000 0
1000 1
2001 0
3001 1
4010 0
5010 1
6011 0
7011 1
8100 0
9100 1

Vehicle Scanner VS6400 Rev.E
15
MSK
MSK (mask logic) determines the masking
logic. Three logic functions are available. OR
logic, AND logic, and EXCLUSIVE-OR logic.
Syntax: MSK aaa
where aaa is ORL for OR logic, ANL for AND
logic, or XRL for Exclusive-OR logic.
Usage: OR logic causes the scanner to
report beams that are actually blocked or shown
as blocked in the mask pattern.
AND logic only reports blocked beams
when the same beams are blocked in the mask
pattern. This can be used to “turn-off” specific
beams blocked by a permanent obstruction.
EXCLUSIVE-OR logic inverts the status of
any beam shown as blocked in the mask pattern
and show the true status of beams shown as
unblocked in the mask pattern.
Section 7 – Array Modifying Commands

SCIENTIFIC TECHNOLOGIES INC.
R
16
8
Specifications
Operating Power 24 VDC ±20%, 14W maximum power consumption.
Detection response time:40 mS max in normal scan, 80mS max in double scan; see table for
specific scan times for the different lengths
Serial communications RS-485 at 19.2 kbaud
Solid State Outputs NPN (current sinking), 150 mA at 30 VDC max.
Output 1: Detection (with programmable hysteresis)
Output 2: Alarm
Alarm Conditions: Weak signal (resets automatically when signal is
restored), system fault
Cables & Connections M12 DIN connectors, maximum cable length is 50 meters. (164 ft.).
Min. detectable object Normal Scan: 30mm; DoubleScan: 15mm in central 1/3 of range
(static) between transmitter and receiver.
Operating Range 20 m (66 ft.) with a gain margin of 2
Beam spacing 22 or 43 mm
Misalignment Allowed +/- 4 degrees
Scan Lengths & Scan Times Relay Hyteresisis
Scan Time Response Time
Scan Length No. of Beams (Normal) (Double) (Normal) (Double)
22mm (0.85 in.) Beam Spacing
524 mm/20.6 in. 24 1.4 2.8 4.2 8.4
698 mm/27.5 in. 32 1.9 3.8 5.7 11.4
872 mm/34.3 in. 40 2.4 4.8 7.2 14.4
1046 mm/41.2 in. 48 2.9 5.8 8.7 17.4
1220 mm/48.0 in. 56 3.4 6.8 10.2 20.4
1393 mm/54.8 in. 64 3.8 7.6 11.4 22.8
1570 mm/61.8 in. 72 4.3 8.6 12.9 25.8
1741 mm/68.5 in. 80 4.8 9.6 14.4 28.8
1915 mm/75.4 in. 88 5.3 10.6 15.9 31.8
2090 mm/82.3 in. 96 5.8 11.6 17.4 34.8
43 mm (1.7 in.) Beam Spacing
698 mm/27.5 in. 16 1.0 2.0 3.0 6.0
1046 mm/41.2 in. 24 1.4 2.8 4.2 8.4
1393 mm/54.8 in. 32 1.9 3.8 5.7 11.4
1741 mm/68.5 in. 40 2.4 4.8 7.2 14.4
2090 mm/82.3 in. 48 2.9 5.8 8.7 17.4
Section 8 – Specifications

Vehicle Scanner VS6400 Rev.E
17
Transmitter Indicators Red, solid “on” indicates power, normal operation; “flash-
ing” indicates
transmitter fault
Receiver Indicators Green: beams aligned, no blocked beams
Yellow: alarm condition
Red: beams blocked or misaligned
Individual Beam Indicators: illuminate to indicate which
beams are blocked
Construction Painted aluminum housing, plastic window.
ENVIRONMENTAL RATINGS
Ambient Light Immunity Up to 40,000 lux outside of +/- 5 degree angle of incidence
upon the receiver
Operating
Temperature Range -40 to +70°C; -40 to 158°F
Sealing IP65
Vibration Per IEC 60068-2-6 (0 to 55 Hz at 1 octave/minute, 0.35mm
amplitude, 3 axes)
Bump/Shock Per IEC 60068-2-29 (10 g, 16 mS pulses)
Section 8 – Specifications

SCIENTIFIC TECHNOLOGIES INC.
R
18
9
ASCIITerminalEmulators
You can use a terminal emulator to setup
the scanner. This is also useful for debugging if
you cannot establish communications using the
setup software.
When using a terminal emulator use the
following setup parameters in the emulator.
Terminal type: ANSI or ASCII
Inbound CR/LF: Translate CR to CR and LF
Function, Arrow, and Control Keys: Set for
terminal use (not used for Windows).
Line wrap: allowed
Baud Rate: as set on the scanner
Data format: 8 data bits, 1 start bit, no parity
bits (N-8-1)
Com Port: Set to the port the scanner is
connected to.
Hardware Flow Control: Off
Software Flow Control: Off
Xon/Xoff: Off
Section9 – ASCII Terminal Emulators